Families in Richmond Borough had a weekend visit from a very surprising fundraiser - in the shape of Marcus the pony.

Marcus delighted children in Ailsa Avenue and Gordon Avenue on Valentine's Day as part of a fundraising mission to save Park Lane Stables.

The future of the stables in Teddington is under threat as the landlord plans to sell the site.

The stables are run by a small charity, RDA (Riding for the Disabled), which needs to raise £1 million to buy the land.

RDA's lease on the property runs out on May 31 and will not be renewed.

The charity provides thousands of therapeutic riding sessions to local children and adults with learning and other disabilities.

Marcus did his bit for the cause after a personal invitation from some local enthusiastic riders, and was rewarded with a very large number of apples and carrots as he went about his work.

Comedian Rob Brydon, a local resident, has thrown his weight behind the bid to save the stables. The Gavin and Stacey star appeared on Good Morning Britain on February 11 to promote the campaign.

Save our Stables has raised almost half the £1 million needed after donations from 8,277 supporters, including a single donation of £50,000

The campaign has now reached nearly £500,000 - but this total needs to be doubled in the next ten days to save the stables.

You can donate HERE